I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department has worked closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.
While a specific admission programme in respect of Gaza does not exist, all existing immigration arrangements and programmes are open to the persons affected. Details of the various pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/ Visa applications for family members of Palestinian nationals living in Ireland are considered on a case-by-case basis and, wherever possible, they are processed speedily and sympathetically. My Department is in regular contact with the Embassy of Ireland in Israel regarding a number of visa applications, from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Embassy are actively engaging with applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of my Department have everything needed progress these applications.
